PACO NEWS

HOLIDAY PARTY

Please plan to join us on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 6-9PM at the Beeline Easton (3989 Merchants Row) for PACO's annual holiday party!  Esquire Solutions will be joining us as a sponsor of this event, and additional sponsors are pending.  Registration is available on the web site.  While registration is not required, please do register so we know how many to expect.  Can't wait to see everyone!

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Join us on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at noon when Kathryn Brooks from the Ohio State Bar Association will join us to discuss the OSBA Paralegal Certification Program.  Registration is available on the website.
 
OSBA STUDY GROUP

The next OSBA Certification Exam Study Group will be November 25, 2025 at 6:30PM.  Please reach out to Ashley Harris (harris.ashnic@gmail.com) if you haven't already registered and want to participate. All sessions will be held virtually. The study group is open to all Ohio paralegals planning to sit for the OSBA Certification Exam.  There is no cost. 

PACO ROUND TABLES

PACO is proud to announce that beginning in January 2026, we will be offering three practice area round tables!  Our round tables will include Domestic Relations, Workers' Compensation, and Litigation and will be offered on a rotating monthly schedule.  These round tables will be held virtually.  Watch for more details regarding dates and times.  Round tables will be free to PACO members and $5 each for guests.

PACO BOOK CLUB

PACO's Book Club is gearing up once again!  Our next book will be Silence for the Dead by Simone St. James.  Book Club will meet on Friday November 14, 2026 at Chocolate Cafe, 1855 Northwest Boulevard, Grandview.  For more information, contact Randi Daniels-Blair at randi.daniels90@gmail.com. 

NFPA HAPPENINGS

NFPA is offering a webinar on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 1PM EST titled Beyond the Basics:  Conducting Background Checks that Win Cases, presented by Edward Ajaeb, CLI, Founder and President of Nighthawk Strategies.  Effective and successful cases rely heavily on the quality of information gathered during case preparation.  In this practical session, attendees will learn techniques private investigators use to uncover critical background information beyond standard database searches.  We'll discuss how comprehensive background research can reveal hidden facts, providing paralegals with actionable intelligence that strengthens legal strategy.  Cost is $35.  Registration:   https://www.paralegals.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2004699&group=

NFPA is proud to partner with the American Bar Association (ABA) to develop a comprehensive report on paralegal mental health and wellness.  As part of this initiative, NFPA is gathering feedback from members to better understand the stressors paralegals face and to benchmark access to mental health and wellness resources across the profession. Your input is essential in helping us identify key challenges and shape future support initiatives.  Please take a few minutes to complete the brief survey linked below by Friday, November 7, 2025.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R5VH37K 

Did you miss Convention and wish you could have attended specific presentations?  You can still benefit and earn CLE's from the outstanding educational sessions and expert insights that attendees experienced!
CLE recordings from all NFPA Convention sessions are now available for purchase by logging into the NFPA website — giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.  Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and stay current on important developments in the paralegal profession.  Cost is $35 per session.  Registration:  https://www.paralegals.org/page/recorded-webinars


PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES WITH LASCO

The Legal Aid Society of Southeast and Central Ohio is holding the following pro bono events:

Columbus Brief Advice Clinic at Veterans Administration - November 13, 2025 from 9AM to 12PM at Department of Veterans Affairs, 650 North Cassidy Avenue, Columbus, OH 43219.  Registration:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A44AFAD2CAAF85-vaclinic#/

Columbus Brief Advice Clinic at UALC - November 13, 2025 from 5:45PM - 8PM at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 3500 Mill Run Drive, Hilliard, OH 43026.  Registration:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A44AFAD2CAAF85-53553943-hilliard#/

Wills Clinic for Veterans - November 19, 2025 from 4PM - 8PM at VFW Post 9857, 2330 Stelzer Road, Columbus, OH 43219.  Registration:  https://oslsa.wufoo.com/forms/myw1x9n0yjb51r/

In addition, LASCO is holding the following CLE:

Tuesday, 11/18/25 from 9AM-12PM:  Preparing Wills, Advance Directives and Transfer on Death Affidavits for Pro Bono Clients.  This CLE is being offered in partnership with the CBA.  Registration:  https://oslsa.wufoo.com/forms/q3qmqnx1b739k8/

Immigration Pro Bono Opportunities:

Asylum Clinics - there are many asylum clinics coming up.  The next date is Thursday, February 19, 2026.  For more information, to register, and to learn about training necessary for participation:  https://oslsa.wufoo.com/forms/mq5q1bh0o5nipi/

Welcome Wednesday - Immigration Project.  The next session being offered is Wednesday, December 3, 2025.  For more information and to register:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A44AFAD2CAAF85-54921199-adhocproject#/